Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your morning or delight guests with a treat that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe is exactly what you need. These scones are beautifully tender, bursting with juicy blueberries, and perfectly balanced by the lively zing of fresh lemon zest. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special — a flaky, fruity, and aromatic scone that’s equally wonderful for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving that delicate crumb and splendid flavor in your scones. Each element plays a vital role: the butter gives flakiness, blueberries add natural sweetness, and lemon zest lifts it all with a fresh brightness that’s unmistakable.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your scones, providing structure and lightness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the fruit without overpowering.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Essential for giving your scones that tender rise and fluffiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening and creating a light texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors, making them pop.
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The secret to flaky layers, kept cold to avoid melting prematurely.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle warmth that enhances the lemon and blueberry flavors.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: The star of the show, delivering that fresh, zesty brightness.
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, if preferred): Juicy bursts of flavor that contrast wonderfully with the lemon.
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for topping, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle atop your scones.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates the perfect baking environment for your scones, preventing sticking and encouraging even browning.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination forms the backbone of your scones, ensuring they rise beautifully and stay tender.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add those cold, cubed butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is essential—it creates the flaky layers that make scones so irresistible.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest. These ingredients bring moisture, flavor, and richness to the dough, brightening it up with every bite.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here or your scones might turn out tough instead of tender. This is the delicate stage where magic happens!

Step 6: Fold in the Blueberries

Gently fold in your blueberries, taking care not to crush them. This keeps their lovely shape intact and prevents the dough from turning a blue-purple color, which is beautiful but not quite the look we’re going for.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and give it a few gentle kneads to bring it together. Then pat it into a 1-inch thick circle—this shape helps the scones bake evenly and gives them their classic look.

Step 8: Slice the Scones

Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough circle into 8 equal wedges. Arrange the wedges on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. This ensures they bake without sticking together, keeping their nice crisp edges.

Step 9: Add a Sparkle of Sugar

If you want a golden and sparkly finish, sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops of your scones. It adds a lovely crunch and a hint of extra sweetness that’s totally worth the little extra step.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Pop your scones in the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Look for that gorgeous golden-brown color and a toothpick inserted in the center coming out clean—this means your scones are perfectly baked.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your scones to cool just a bit before serving. Enjoy them warm, slathered with butter or your favorite jam for a truly delightful treat that captures the essence of this Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe into a showstopper. Fresh lemon slices or additional blueberry clusters on the side add flair and a burst of natural color to your serving plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your scones with a steaming cup of tea or coffee to balance their sweetness and richness. A dollop of clotted cream or lemon curd complements the flavors beautifully and adds an indulgent touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your scones warm in a basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin for a cozy, charming presentation. You can also create mini scone sandwiches with cream cheese and fresh fruit for a fun twist on this Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe at brunch or tea parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked or baked scones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrost them overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that just-baked taste.

Reheating

Reheat your scones in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes to revive their flaky texture and warm their fruity flavor. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crisp on the outside.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just fine—just add them straight to the dough without thawing to prevent the dough from turning too wet or blue-toned.

What makes scones tender and flaky?

The key is cold butter cut into the dry ingredients and not overworking the dough. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking that give scones their wonderful flakiness.

Can I substitute lemon zest with lemon juice?

While lemon juice adds flavor, lemon zest provides more intense, aromatic citrus oils. For the best Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe, zest is preferred, but a bit of juice can be used alongside it if needed.

How do I prevent blueberries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the blueberries lightly in flour before folding them into the dough. This coats them and helps suspend them evenly throughout your scones.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can try swapping the butter for vegan margarine and use a plant-based cream or milk, plus an egg substitute like flaxseed or chia gel, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly from the classic Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Scones Recipe is a treasure you’ll want to keep returning to. It’s straightforward, packed with fresh flavors, and yields scones that are tender, flaky, and bursting with fruit. I can’t wait for you to try these scones at home and experience how a few simple ingredients come together to create something so comforting and delicious. Happy baking!

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